THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


BIRD  LYRICS  AND 
OTHER  POEMS 


BIRD   LYRICS  AND 
OTHER   POEMS 


BY 

CHARLES   E.   JACKSON 


PORTLAND,  ME. 

SMITH  &  SALE,  PUBLISHERS 

1909 


COPYRIGHT   1909 

BY 
SMITH  ft  SALE 


Cover  design  by  Mrs.  C.  E.  Jackson. 


iflij  &on, 


WHOSE   KEEN   INTEREST  AND  LOVE 

FOR  THE   BIRDS 

HAVE  BEEN  A  GREAT  COMFORT  TO  ME 
I  DEDICATE  THIS  BOOK 


O  heart  of  mine,  these  songs  of  thine 
Are  tokens  of  thine  own  good  will; 

Call  them  now  thine,  0  friend  of  mine, 
I  trust  the  good  outweighs  the  ill. 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

BIRD  LYRICS: 

The  Birds  Come  North  .  .  v  .  3 
Good  Morning,  Robin  .  ;.-  .  -  4 
The  Awakening  .  .  .  .  t  5 
The  Bird  Chorus  .  .  .  .  6 
A  Matin  Song  .  .  .  7 

The  Mayflowers'  Serenade  .         .       8 

Apple  Blossoms          .         .  .       9 

Mother  Love 10 

Wee  Bird,  I'm  in  Love  with  You  .  11 
The  Warbler  in  the  Pine  Grove  .  12 
A  Summer  Morning  .  .  .  .13 
A  Rose- Breasted  Grosbeak  is  Singing  14 
On  Seeing  a  Nest  of  Nearly  Full 

Grown  Verys      .         .         .         .15 

Oriole's  Nest 16 

Bluebird .17 

Goldfinch 18 

Bobolink    .         .         .         ...     19 

Redstart    .         .      •  .         .         .         .20 

Oriole       .         .         .         .        .        .     21 

Redwing    .         .         .         .        .         .     22 

Tohee        ...         .  <  '  v        .     23 

Humming-Bird  .         .        «        .     24 

vii 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Sea-Gull   .        .       ^       ..        .        .25 

Crow         .        .       •'.       V       .        .     26 
Catbird      .....        .        .27 

Song-Sparrow     .         .         .         .         .28 

Hermit-Thrush  ....     29 

Whip-poor-will          .        .        .        .30 

Chickadee           .....     31 

Snow-Bunting 32 

The  Bobolink's  Good  Night  .  .  33 
The  Wood-Thrush  at  Eve  .  .  34 
Lullaby  ......  35 

OTHER  POEMS  : 

In  May 39 

Midsummer       .        .         .        .        .40 

November          .        .        .        .        .41 

The  First  Snowfall     .        .        .        .42 

Seasons      ......     44 

The  Little  Seed          .        .        .        .45 

To  the  Mayflower     .        .        .        .46 

Pansies 47 

The  Wild  Rose          ....     48 

June  17 49 

The  Multi-millionaire  .  .  .50 
My  Little  Fellow  .  .  .  .51 
My  Life  Pilgrimage  .  .  .  .52 
The  Father  and  His  Child  53 


vm 


CONTENTS 

PAGB 

A  Stormy  Night  at  Home  .        .        .54 
My  Life  at  Forty       .        ,        .        .     55 
My  Church       .        ...        .56 

In  Him  We  Live       .       " .      ,  .  -.      .57 
Faith         .        .        .        .        .        .     58 

Invocation          .         .         ...     59 

Two  Singers 60 

Dedicatory  Poem        .         .         «         .61 
To  Hermann  Kotzschmar  .         .     63 

St  Valentine's  Day     .         .         .         .64 

Coquette 65 

My  Library 66 

Madonna 67 

Alpha  and  Omega      .         .         .         .68 

Poetry 69 

Sunset        .         .         .  .         .70 

Impulse     ......     71 

With  a  Wedding  Gift        ...     72 
Wedding  Anniversary          .         .         .73 

Doris 74 

Baby 75 

Life 76 

Easter 77 

A  Foreword 78 

Lincoln 79 

McKinley          .         .        .        .        .80 
George  W.  Marston  .         .        .        .81 

be 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Memorial  Day  .         .         .         .     82 

Good  Night      .        .        .        .        .83 

Sacrifice     .         .         .         .         .         .84 

From  the  Depths       .         .         .         .85 

Which  One  is  Dead  .        .        .        .86 

The  Still  Small  Voice         ...     87 
The  Passing  Day        .         .         .         .88 

The  Conflict 89 

A  Touch  of  Nature    .        .        .        .90 

To  Work 91 

Soliloquy 92 


BIRD  LYRICS 


The  eagle  suffers  little  birds  to  sing. 

SHAKESPEARE 


THE  BIRDS  COME  NORTH 

"D  URDEN  of  bloom  on  the  drooping  trees, 
•*-'     Over  yonder  the  orchard  way. 
A  wealth  of  sun  and  a  southern  breeze 
Welcome  the  lovers  home  to-day. 

White  throat  and  oriole  faintly  seen, 
Flitting  about  with  tireless  wings, 

Hidden  by  blossom  and  mist  of  green, — 
Hark !  the  music  a  glad  heart  flings. 


GOOD  MORNING,  ROBIN 

A  CROSS  the  lawn  at  early  dawn 
•*•  ^-     He  comes  with  tripping  pace; 
His  bearing  pert,  the  little  flirt, 
Embodiment  of  grace. 

Break !  break  to  hear  !  O  morning  clear  ! 

The  redbreast's  chirping  call ; 
He  pipes  a  true,  "  How  do  you  do  ? 

Good  morning,  one  and  all." 


THE  AWAKENING 

OWEET !  Thy  loved  voice  wakes  the  roses, 
^     And  each  perfumed  heart  discloses 
All  the  glory  and  completeness 
Of  the  summer's  joy  and  sweetness. 

Listen  bird  !  the  rose  is  singing  ! 
Her  responsive  heart  is  bringing 
Thee  a  message,  sweet  and  tender, 
True  as  thine  own  voice  doth  render. 

Bird  and  blossom,  —  sister,  brother, 
God  ordained  you  for  each  other ; 
Beauty,  sweetness,  freely  given, — 
Flower  of  earth  and  flower  of  heaven. 


THE  BIRD  CHORUS 

'  I  VHROUGH  the  green  see  the  songsters 

•*•       winging, 

Winging  about  from  limb  to  limb ; 
O  the  chorus  the  birds  are  singing, 

Singing  to  all  a  morning  hymn. 

Fair  and  clear  is  the  sky  above  us ; 

June,  I  welcome  thy  new-born  day ! 
Grass  and  flowers  and  the  green  trees  love  us ; 

Birds  are  greeting  the  Sun's  first  ray. 


A  MATIN  SONG 

A  WAKE  !  awake  !  the  birds  are  calling, 
•*•  ^-     Faint  upon  my  ear  are  falling 
Sounds  of  heavenly  notes  enthralling, 
Hail !  Hail !  the  dawn. 

Flee  thy  bed,  the  light  supernal 
Greets  a  glory  ambient,  vernal ; 
Ah,  the  thrill  of  life  eternal ; 
Day,  day  is  born. 


THE  MAYFLOWERS'  SERENADE 


in  their  little  snowy  bed, 
O,  but  the  air  is  sweet  ; 
A  hint  of  white,  a  glint  of  red, 

And  warm  hearts  'neath  each  sheet. 

Sing,  bluebirds,  sing,  thy  sweetest  lay  — 
Awaken  the  flowers  of  spring  ; 

Call,  robin,  call,  the  day  is  long, 
Sing,  serenaders,  sing. 


APPLE  BLOSSOMS 

A  GENTLE  breeze  woos  the  apple  trees, 
•*•  ^-  There  are  huge  bouquets,  love,  amaking ; 
All  pink  and  white,  ah,  the  keen  delight, 
E'en  the  cold,  cold  earth  is  awaking. 

Come,  robins,  come,  to  thy  love-lit  home, 
For  love  tells  the  same  old  story. 

Wonderfully  blest,  may  little  ones  rest, 

While  spring  decks  thy  home  with  her  glory. 


MOTHER  LOVE 

OVE  sit  on  thy  throne  ! 
••— '     Ah  !  shine  on  thy  nest ! 

Dear  little  wonder, 
Reign,  reign  not  alone  ! 
Love  throbs  'neath  thy  breast. 

Ah,  what  is  under  ? 

But  hark  to  her  lord  ! 
Resplendent  the  song, 

The  song  that  greets  her. 
Love,  love  is  the  word, 
And  the  day  is  long, 

And  love  grows  sweeter. 


10 


WEE  BIRD,  I'M  IN  LOVE  WITH  YOU 

'  I  VRILL  and  twitter  !     What  voice  is  fitter 
•*-        Than  thine,  clear  and  fresh  as  the  dew, 
Come,  stay  near  me ;  O,  do  not  fear  me, — 
Wee  bird,  I'm  in  love  with  you. 

Akin  in  heart,  let  us  dwell  apart, — 
Apart  from  the  maddening  crew  ; 
Do  not  doubt  me ;  O  do  not  flout  me, — 
Wee  bird,  I'm  in  love  with  you. 

I'll  not  linger,  light-hearted  singer, 
Mine,  too,  is  the  world  of  the  blue. 
Your  free  pinion  knows  no  dominion, — 
Wee  bird,  I'm  in  love  with  you. 


11 


THE  WARBLER  IN  THE  PINE 
GROVE 


TjVVINT  perfumes  sweet  and  at  one's  feet, 
•*•       A  dainty  carpet  all  outspread  ; 
And  willing  breeze  and  generous  trees, 
Acrooning  love  songs  overhead. 

See,  see,  the  sprite,  striped  black  and  white, 
Flitting  his  way,  the  grove  along  ! 

Sing,  trees  alway,  join  breeze  the  lay,  — 
He  warbles  not,  he  has  no  song. 


12 


A  SUMMER  MORNING 


and  buttercups,  nodding  together, 
Praise  ye  your  God  for  a  morning  like  this. 
Life-giving,  love-giving,  bright  summer  weather, 

Greet  thou  the  world  with  a  delicate  kiss. 
Light    southern    wind    o'er   the    meadowland 

tripping, 

Sweeten  the  day  as  you  journey  along, 
While    deep    in    the    bloom,    ah,    the    bee    is 

a  sipping, 

And   hark  !    crowning  all,  a  redbreast's  glad 
song. 


13 


A  ROSE-BREASTED  GROSBEAK  IS 
SINGING 


"^HE   glory  of  June  set  my  bound   heart 
•*-       free, 

And  it  hastened  to  yonder  tree-top  swinging  ; 
Ah,  list  to  the  sound  of  rich  minstrelsy,  — 
A  rose-breasted  grosbeak  is  singing. 

And  my  heart  and  that  voice  are  in  perfect  tune  ; 

O  but  my  soul  to  the  songster  is  winging  ; 
Filled  is  the  day  with  the  glory  of  June, 

A  rose-breasted  grosbeak  is  singing. 


14 


ON  SEEING  A  NEST  OF  NEARLY 
FULL  GROWN  VERYS 

A  H,  dear  little  dreamers  contented  there  ! 
•*  ^  Have  you  learned  the  song  you're  to  sing 

to  me? 

The  song  that  bespeaks  a  Father's  care, 
And  gives  to  your  life  its  serenity? 

Dear  little  dreamers,  so  patient  and  still, 
You  can  wait  the  joys  that  will  be  thine  own ; 
For  your  song-laden  throats  will  one  day  thrill 
With  harmony  matchless,  and  sweetest  tone. 


15 


ORIOLE'S  NEST 

OEE,  high  on  summer  boughs  to-day, 
^     A  tiny  hammock  swinging  : 
Where  song  and  beauty  holdeth  sway 

An   r»rirJ<=>   ic   cinrrmrr 


An  oriole  is  singing. 


He  sings,  this  jewel  of  the  air, 
His  parent  heart  upleaping. 

The  baby  birds  ?     Ah,  mother-care  !  — 
A  parent  love  is  keeping. 


16 


BLUEBIRD 

'  I  VHY  little  wings  reflect  the  sky, 
•*•        Thy  breast  reflects  the  earth  ; 
Thy  coming  is  a  prophecy, 

Thy  voice  proclaims  Spring's  birth. 

Sing  !  little  songster,  sing  to  me  — 

Me,  of  the  common  sod  ; 
My  soul  gains  strength  because  of  thee 

Singing  the  praise  of  God. 


17 


GOLDFINCH 

MAY  time  ! 
Play  time  ! 

Oh,  but  the  full  of  each  day  time  ! 
Together  quite, 
Feather  light, 

And  a  glint  of  gold  in  the  weather  bright. 
Wing  time ! 
Sing  time  ! 

And  all  the  glory  of  spring  time. 
Sound  of  spring, — 
Bound  of  spring, — 
Rush  of  spring, — 
Flush  of  spring, — 

With  smile  the  while  o'er  each  living  thing. 
With  soft  advance, 
And  kindly  glance, 

The  south  wind  sings  while  the  violets  dance,- 
Per-chic-o-ree,  Per-chic-o-ree,  Per-chic-o-ree. 


18 


BOBOLINK 

T3OBOLINK !  Bobolink  !  Scatter  thy  song, 
•*-*     Rippling,  rollicking,  all  the  day  long, 
Singing  and  winging  and  eddying  near, 
Thy  sunny  self  part  of  June's  atmosphere. 

Bobolink  !  Bobolink  !  Thy  fleeting  lay 

Rings  with  a  challenge ;  "  Be  happy  to-day  !  " 

Heart !  O  wild  heart !  Yes,  mine  own,  —  stop 

and  think, — 
Blend  then  thy  cares  with  the  blithe  bobolink. 


19 


REDSTART 

BLACK-COATED  minstrel  with  flash  of 
the  fire, 

Tell  her  she's  "  sweet !  sweet !  sweet !  " 
Flitting  on  wings  that  seem  never  to  tire  !  — 
Call,  call  again  to  your  heart's  own  desire, — 
"Sweet!  sweet!  sweet!" 

And  calm  on  the  nest  shines  mother-love  true, — 

Ah  !  but  she's  "  sweet !  sweet !  sweet ! " 
He's  singing  the  old  song  forever  new  — 
He  sings  love  for  me  as  well  as  for  you, 
"Sweet!  sweet!  sweet!" 


20 


ORIOLE 

\  T  7ARBLE  the  strain  again  to  me, — 

Cadence  of  love-lit  melody ; 
Warble  the  tune  of  laughing  flowers, — 
Orchard's  bounty  and  sunny  showers ; 
Breathe  once  more  to  my  listening  ear 
The  glorious  sound  of  festal  cheer; 
Gladly  I'd  linger  the  whole  day  long 
To  hear  thy  heart  pour  forth  its  song ; 
Sweet-voiced  atom,  with  plumage  gay, 
Carol  the  cares  of  life  away. 


21 


REDWING 

f~^HE  whir  of  a  wing,  —  he  alights  on  yon 
•••        tree, — 

O-ka-lee!  O-ka-lee! 
The  redwing  is  calling,  —  is  calling  to  me, 

O-ka-lee!  O-ka-lee! 

Is  calling,  is  calling  with  flute-throated  voice, — 
The  call  translated  means  simply  —  rejoice  ! 
O-ka-lee!   O-ka-lee! 

Ah,  Nature's  a  lover  and  Nature  is  gay ; 

O-ka-lee!   O-ka-lee! 
And  I,  too,  am  singing  the  love  songs  of  May ; 

O-ka-lee!  O-ka-lee! 

The  odor  of  springtime  is  borne  on  the  breeze, 
And  he's  calling  to  me,  —  to  me,  if  you  please, 

O-ka-lee!  O-ka-lee! 


22 


TOHEE 


!  Tohee  ! 
I  hear  !     I  see  ! 
Bird,  I  cannot  resist  thy  plea, 
Cannot  resist  the  wildwood  free 

Tohee  !  Tohee  ! 

We  both  agree. 
June  is  holding  her  jubilee; 
Hark,  hear  the  rich,  rich  minstrelsy  ! 

Tohee  !  Tohee  ! 

Each  bush  and  tree 
Is  spilling  music  for  you,  —  for  me, 
Life  is  joyous  as  it  can  be  ; 

Tohee  !  Tohee  ! 

My  love  to  thee  ; 
Bird  and  flower  and  bumblebee, 
Breaks  out  in  fitful  ecstasy, 

Tohee  !  Tohee  ! 

What  witchery  ! 


23 


HUMMING-BIRD 

UEST  of  the  noon-day  hour, 

Jeweled  and  fair  ; 
Poised  o'er  each  wondering  flower, 
Light  as  the  air. 

Blossoms  in  gorgeous  pride 
Welcome  the  sprite, — 

Play  with  him,  bid  him  hide, 
Lost  to  my  sight. 

Use,  Oriole,  use  thy  voice, 

Make  glad  the  day  ! 
Sing,  Hermit !  sing,  rejoice  ! 

Cares  drift  away. 

Still,  'neath  a  rose-hued  breast, 

Pure  as  a  prayer, 
Throbs  a  true  heart  in  quest 

Of  sweetness  rare. 

Heart,  then,  if  not  the  throat, 

Yields  a  rich  song, 
E'en  though  no  thrilling  note 

Fills  the  day  long. 


24 


SEA-GULL 

\T7lLD  is  the  night;  the  sea  is  lashed  to 

foam; 

The  furies  of  the  storm  disturb  the  deep. 
All  through  the  din,  as  if  it  soothed  to  sleep, 
The  sea  gull  'neath  the  creviced  rock  finds  home. 

What  though  I  find  my  soul  by  cares  distrest, 
What  though  life's  path  arouse  my  inmost  fears, 
What  though  my  eyes  are  dimmed  with  bitter 

tears, 
The  bird  doth  strengthen  faith ;  I'll  calmly  rest. 


25 


CROW 

MANKIND  has  called  the  crow  a  common 
thief; 

Strange  belief. 

He  is  charged  with  having  trials,  juries,  laws, — 
He  seems  human  with  his  caw s,  caws,  caws, 

Why?  because, 

Being  charged  with  base  deception,  cunning, 
sly,— 

Sly  ?  oh,  my  ! 

He  is  shrewdness  for  a  fact, 
And  resents  the  base  attack 
With  his  coat  of  iridescent  black 

On  his  back. 

His  man-brother  shows  the  blackest,  blackest 
heart, — 

Basest  part ; 
We  share  the  rain,  the  sunshine  and  the  dew, — 

We  two, — 
Eat  freely  then  from  my  small  garden  plot;  — 

Eat  a  lot. 


26 


CATBIRD 

DESCRIBE  him?     No!  I  cannot  find  a 
word! 

Ill-named  is  he,  this  mellow-throated  bird ; 
So  modest  in  his  quiet  suit  of  gray, 
So  prodigal  of  voice  the  live-long  day, — 
And  yet,  so  filled  is  he  with  mimicry, 
The  air  rings  with  his  joyous  revelry. 
Strange  that  his  own  song  does  not  grace  his 

throat, — 
The  rascal  borrows  nearly  every  note. 


27 


SONG-SPARROW 

A    LITTLE  brown-winged  bird  am  I, 
•*•  *•     But  hear  me  sing  ! 
A  little  brown-winged  bird  am  I, 

But  songs  I  fling ! 
I  sing,  I  sing  my  music  rare, 
As  light  and  free  as  the  summer  air, — 
A  little  brown  bird  am  I. 

A  little  brown-winged  bird  am  I, 

Hear  my  refrain. 
A  little  brown-winged  bird  am  I, 

Spring  wakes  again. 
A  pure-toned  voice  in  golden  flow, — 
A  long-drawn  cadence  thrilling  low, — 
A  little  brown  bird  am  I. 


28 


HERMIT-THRUSH 

TNNATE  sweetness  and  completeness 
Is  that  voice  of  thine. 

From  heaven's  portals,  down  to  mortals, 
Comes  thy  song  divine. 

Full  and  tender,  thou  dost  render 
Homage  unto  Him. 

And  my  spirit,  too,  doth  share  it, — 
Shares  thine  evening  hymn. 


29 


WHIP-POOR-WILL 

T3RIGHT  folds  of  gold  and  crimson  drape 
••"*     the  west ; 

A  hush  falls  on  the  earth  and  daylight  dies, 
The  twilight  gently  comes  and  soothes  to  rest ; 

And  silence  reigns  and,  reigning,  glorifies. 
A  plaintive  voice  breaks  on  the  air  so  still, 
It  is  the  lone  call  of  the  whip-poor-will. 


30 


CHICKADEE 

TN  old  time  breezy  fashion, 
-*•     With  fury  and  with  passion, 
The  Ice  King  lays  his  lash  on ; 
Ah,  'tis  cold  !     Ah,  'tis  cold  ! 

While  redstarts,  nervous,  winging, 
With  the  orioles  are  singing, 
Southern  groves  are  ringing,  ringing 
Memories  old  !     Memories  old  ! 

But  list !     A  voice  belies  thee ; 
A  wonder-mite  defies  thee ; 
A  brave,  warm  heart  denies  thee, 
Winter  bold  !     Winter  bold  ! 

Chickadee  !  thy  quaint  appealing 
Opens  my  faint  heart,  revealing 
Glory  of  a  fellow  feeling ; 
Love  is  told  !     Love  is  told  ! 


31 


SNOW-BUNTING 

JACK  FROST  is  calling,  is  calling, 
Snowflakes  are  falling,  are  falling, 
Whirring  through  air, 
Life  puff-balls,  rare, 
Into  the  white  drifts  are  sprawling. 

Over  and  over  and  over, 

Like  tumbling  bees  in  the  clover; 

Cheer,  cheer  the  days, 

Light-hearted  fays ; 
Warm  the  cold  heart  of  thy  lover ! 


32 


THE  BOBOLINK'S  GOOD  NIGHT 

EAR  rollicker,  tuck  head  beneath  thy  wing ! 

Night's  curtain  falls ;  — 
Dear  angel,  sleep,  a  heart  is  fluttering ;  — 

Soothe  till  day  calls  ! 
And  may  the  dreamy,  blissful  hours  of  sleep 

Bring  peace  and  quiet. 
For,  lo,  when  god  of  day  begins  his  sweep, 

A  heart  runs  riot. 


33 


THE  WOOD-THRUSH  AT  EVE 

VESPERS 


forth  thy  song  to  her, 
Melody  true  ; 
Proud  is  the  listener,  — 
I  listen,  too. 

Pour  forth  thy  song  to  her  ; 

Plaintive  the  strain  ; 
No  song  like  thine  to  stir 

Pleasure  or  pain. 

Pour  forth  thy  song  to  her  ; 

Thy  song  doth  bless, 
All  through  thy  notes  recur 

His  righteousness. 


34 


LULLABY 

A  H  !  wind  of  the  south  and  wind  of  the 
•*•  ^     west, 

Blow,  softly  blow,  there  are  babes  in  the  nest. 
Lull  to  their  slumber  hearts  cradled  in  peace, 
Dreams  of  the  summerland  never  shall  cease. 


35 


OTHER  POEMS 


IN  MAY 

THE  new  life  I  discover 

As  around  the  fields  I  hover ! 
Spring  is  calling  me — her  lover — 
All  the  day. 

Earth  with  new  impulse  is  beating ! 
And  the  green  fields  send  me  greeting  ! 
Spring  is  calling,  yes,  entreating 
Me  to  play. 

O  the  dainty  flowers  upspringing ! 
O  the  songs  the  birds  are  singing  ! 
Nature  everywhere  is  ringing  ! 
It  is  May. 


39 


MIDSUMMER 

A  LL   the   birds   have   sought   the   deepest 
-*•  ^     shadow, 

Lulled  to  sleep  by  breath  of  warm  July, 
All  the  flowers  are  drooping  in  the  meadow, — 

Dreamy,  dreamy  slumberland  is  nigh. 

Loved  the  elms  that  spread  its  shade  above  me — 
Full  length  on  the  grassy  bank  I  lie : 

Silence  broken  only  —  how  I  love  thee, — 
Wakeful,  romping  brook  !  run  chattering  by ! 


40 


NOVEMBER 

T  HEAR  the  sigh  of  trees  that  sway 
•*•     Their  branches  overhead ; 
Their  sad  moan  seems  to  tell  that  they 

Are  filled  with  winter's  dread. 
And  everywhere,  earth  shows  decay — 

Grass,  flowers  and  leaves  all  dead. 
Think  thou  to  claim  me,  gloomy  day  ? 

My  heart  is  spring  instead. 


41 


T 


THE  FIRST  SNOWFALL 

RANSFORMATION  since  last  night ! 
Nature  dons  a  mantle  white. 


Yesterday  the  leafless  trees 
Seemed  to  feel  the  northern  breeze; 

Now  their  white  forms  look  serene 
As  when  gayly  clothed  in  green. 

See  the  snowflakes  dance  and  play, 
Backward,  forward,  on  their  way. 

Watch  one  flake,  it  seems  to  rise, 
Yet  finds  earth  in  glad  surprise. 

See  each  branch  and  tiny  spray 
Clad  in  their  sublime  array ; 

See  the  path  in  yonder  wood 
Latticed  in  its  solitude — 

I  bethought  me  in  that  hour, 

This  from  Him  who  tints  the  flower. 

This  from  Him  who  doth  disclose 
All  the  sweetness  of  the  rose. 

Thought  I,  He  controls  the  spring, — 
All  its  glad  awakening. 

Thought  I  of  the  summer  days, 
Knee-deep  grass  and  tangled  maize. 


42 


Thought  I  of  the  autumn  yield 
Ripened  harvest  of  the  field. 

Now  pure  snowflakes  at  my  feet 
Crown  another  year  complete. 


43 


SEASONS 

C  PRINGTIME  loves  the  joyous  mood, 
**-*     Autumn  loves  the  sober; 
May  foretells  the  coming  good ; 

"  Harvest ! "  sings  October. 
Summer  with  her  sunny  smile, 

Culls  from  earth  its  sweetness; 
Christmas  comes  !     The  old  year  dies  ! 

I  have  found  completeness. 


44 


THE  LITTLE  SEED 

f  HOLD  within  my  hand  this  little  mystery, 
•*•     It  is  so  small  it  trembles  at  my  lightest 

breath ; 

Beneath  its  husk  indeed  lies  power  —  infinity; 
For  in  its  tiny  form  are  hid  Birth,   Life  and 

Death. 


45 


TO  THE  MAYFLOWER 

T^\EAR  little  flower,  why  hide  thy  face? 
*~^     Thy  tender  life  doth  fill  its  place 

As  worthily  as  aught  that  grows. 
Thou  art  the  harbinger  of  spring ; 
Of  flowers,  thou  first  of  all  doth  bring 

To  me  new  life  from  'neath  the  snows. 


46 


PANSIES 

F  LOVE  to  see  them  blinking  there, 
•*•     Beautiful,  blue-eyed  pansies  fair. 
I  love  those  great,  full,  longing  eyes, 
Looking  at  me  so  wondrous  wise. 
Nodding  so  friendly  all  the  while 
With  comradeship  of  look  and  smile ; 
An  open  face,  — an  honest  heart, — 
Pansies,  we  will  not  live  apart. 


47 


THE  WILD  ROSE 

HINE  eye  of  gold  mirrors  the  sun  in  the 
•*•        sky 

As  radiant  thou  beamest  on  each  passer-by. 
Adorning  the  dry  barren  road  with  thy  beauty, 
Art  thou  filled,  little  flower,  with  a  keen  sense 

of  duty? 
So  sweetly  dressed  too,   in  thy  pink  trimmed 

with  green, 

Among  even  roses  we  hail  thee  the  queen  ! 
Thy  lot  would  seem  worthy  some  cool  fresh 

retreat, 
Thou  'rt  so  frail  and  so  modestly  blushing  and 

sweet. 


48 


JUNE  17 

T3IRDS  are  singing  to-day,  dear, 
•*•"*     Singing  a  round-a-lay. 
Love  came  winging  to-day,  dear, 
Bright  is  our  wedding  day. 

Vows  were  plighted  to-day,  dear, 
Ah,  but  my  own  heart  sings  ! 

Heaven  was  sighted  to-day,  dear, — 
Love  came  with  golden  wings. 


49 


THE  MULTI-MILLIONAIRE 


~^HE  sun  shines  bright  in  the  tranquil  skies, 
•*•        And  warms  the  good  old  earth  ; 
God's  beauty  greets  my  smiling  eyes, 

My  soul  has  found  its  worth. 
I  threw  me  down  on  the  grassy  bank, 

And  gazed  far  out  to  sea  ; 
My  mind  to  the  cares  of  life  a  blank, 

I,  rich  as  I  could  be, 
For  the  world  in  all  its  beauty 

That  moment  was  given  to  me. 

The  grass  is  green,  and  a  nesting  song 

From  yonder  tree  is  heard  ; 
The  breath  of  summer  is  borne  along, 

The  wild  flower's  heart  is  stirred. 
Men  sailing  boats  (with  their  fishy  smell) 

Owned  them,  —  yes,  so  they  did  ! 
I  owned  them,  too,  more  than  tongue  can  tell,  — 

For  I  from  care  was  rid  ; 
I  owned  the  boats,  I  owned  the  sea, 

I  claimed  them  and  who  could  forbid  ? 


50 


MY  LITTLE  FELLOW 

\\  7 HO  runs  to  greet  me  home  at  night, 
*  *      And  makes  my  weary  day  seem  bright, 
And  hails  my  presence  with  delight? 
My  little  fellow. 

Who  is  it,  when  his  eyes  half  close, 
Strives  hard  to  cheat  well-earned  repose, 
Unwillingly  to  bed  he  goes  ? 
My  little  fellow. 

Who  is  it,  at  the  peep  of  day  — 
When,  O  how  good  in  bed  to  stay !  — 
Says  :  "Take  me,  Parp,  I  want  to  play?  " 
My  little  fellow. 

Ah,  may  thy  cares  be  ever  mine, 
And  my  love,  interlinked  with  thine, 
With  ever-growing  lustre  shine, 
Thou  little  fellow ! 

And  when  my  head  is  framed  in  white, 
And  life  with  me  approaches  night, 
On  Memory's  page  thou'lt  still  shine  bright, 
My  little  fellow. 


51 


MY  LIFE  PILGRIMAGE 

/"VER  desert  drear,  through  glassy  plain, 
^^  The  path  leads  on  'neath  changing  skies ; 
'Mid  burning  heat  or  cooling  rain 

I  plod  along  —  ne'er  back  again. 
Light,  Lord,  by  faith  my  anxious  eyes. 

May  be  I  near  my  earth-life's  span 
And  soon  shall  pause  for  final  rest ; 

Press  on  then,  Soul,  survive  whilst  thou  can, 
For  life,  not  death,  should  be  thy  quest : 

Lose  self  and  find  a  grander  man. 


52 


THE  FATHER  AND  HIS  CHILD 

T  T  E  holds  my  love  secure,  fast  friends  are  we, 
•*•  •*•     My  little  boy  and  I. 
The  roguishness,  the  mischief,  the  activities 
Of  his  young  life,  but  make  my  love  for  him 
Still  more  intense. 

He  who  can  think  of  God  as  aught  but  love  — 

Stern,  just,  severe, 

Has  yet  to  know,  in  truth,  a  father's  care. 
Look  to  thyself,  thou  art  not  more  than  God, 
He  holds  thee  in  His  boundless  love.    Thy  love 

Is  human,  His  divine. 


53 


A  STORMY  NIGHT  AT  HOME 

T^IERCE,  like  a  wolf,  the  howling  gale, 
•*•       Around  my  home  so  warm, 
Is  striving  hard,  with  tooth  and  nail, 
To  enter  and  do  harm. 

Ah,  old  Storm  !  I  am  tucked  within 

And  can  bid  defiance  ! 
What  care  I  for  thy  noisy  din? 

Home  proves  my  reliance. 

O  home  !  my  home  !  from  storms  of  life 

Kindly  shield  me  ever  ! 
Firm  bar  without  all  care  and  strife  1 

Let  them  enter  ?     Never  ! 


54 


w 


MY  LIFE  AT  FORTY 

HAT  !  youth  there  dead  before  thy  feet ! 
The  springtime  passed,  and  time  so  fleet ! 


Life  was  indeed  a  living  rhyme, 

While  we  walked  down  the  aisles  of  time. 

But  why  crave  youth,  now  youth  is  dead  ? 
Pray  God  for  manhood's  strength  instead. 

Leaving  the  ashes  of  bygone  days, 
To  tasks  ahead  turn  full  thy  gaze ; 

Facing  the  future,  misty,  gray, — 
Crave  thou  a  man's  heart  day  by  day ; 

Turn  from  the  path  thy  feet  have  trod  ! 
Who  is  leading  ?     The  living  God  ! 


55 


MY  CHURCH 

T  LISTEN  while  the  daisies  sing 
•*•     A  tender,  sweet  refrain ; 
And  wee,  bright,  blue-eyed  violets 

Glance  wistfully  again. 
I  hear  the  gentle  southern  winds 

Make  music  in  the  trees ; 
And  the  clover  and  the  bluebell 

Make  companions  of  the  bees. 
I  linger  there  among  my  friends, — 

I  hear  the  bluebird  call ; 
I  hear  the  breath  of  nature  make 

Glad  music  for  us  all. 
And  as  I  muse  I  hear  a  clang 

Bid  me  to  praise  my  God ! 
It  summons  me  to  join  a  priest. 

Me,  lover  of  the  sod ; 
Me,  lover  of  the  bush  and  flower, 

Me,  willing  listener. 
The  great  broad  dome,  the  fields  for  me ; 

I  am  a  worshiper. 


56 


IN  HIM  WE  LIVE 

P^HE  hand  of  God  is  a  human  hand, 
•*•        And  the  hand  of  God  is  strong; 
You  may  shirk  the  fight  or  may  take  your  stand, 
The  battle  will  not  be  long. 

The  voice  of  God  is  a  human  heart, 
And  the  voice  of  God  breathes  love ; 

You  may  wound  that  love  by  sin's  foul  dart, 
Or  work  with  the  power  above. 

Then  use  God's  hand,  aye,   and    use   God's 
voice, — 

Aye  :  cling  to  your  manhood  true ; 
Love  for  your  brother  will  prompt  the  choice ; 

Humanity  calls  for  you. 


57 


FAITH 

S,  I  have  faith;  what  though  I  fail  to  see 
With  clearness  all  God  hath  in  wisdom 

planned ; 

God  is  !     Enough  for  me  to  understand 
That  goodness  reigns  behind  all  mystery. 
Yes,  I  have  faith. 

Yes,  I  have  faith ;  for  what  hath  been  revealed 
But  hints  of  greater  things  yet  unfulfilled, 
Things  that  my  longing  soul  hath  wished  and 

willed, 
Something    I    know    doth    live,    though    yet 

concealed  ? 

Yes,  I  have  faith. 

Yes,  I  have  faith;  though  night  obscure  my 

way, 

And,  groping  'round,  I  sometimes  lose  the  road ; 
I  Ve  come  thus  far  in  trust  and  borne  my  load. 
Faith  tells  me  night  will  soon  give  way  to  day. 
Yes,  I  have  faith. 


58 


INVOCATION 

in  Heaven, 

Be  near,  I  pray,  while  my  frail  bark  is  gliding 
Adown  life's  stream ;  the  current 's  swift  that 's 

bearing  me  along ; 

Thou   see'st   dangers   'neath   the   surface 
hiding. 

Hard  have  I  striven, 

Thou  King  of  Kings,  to  shape  my  course  with 
Thine  from  conscious  wrong. 

Father  in  Heaven, 

I  pray  my  heart  be  stayed  on  Thee  forever, 
Each  wish  be  lifted  up  to  Thee,  Thou  mighty 

King  of  Love, 
And  faith  that  seeth  Thee  in  all  endeavor 

To  me  be  given  ! 

Lord,  God  !   'tis  my  desire  to  blend  my  will 
with  Thine  above. 


59 


TWO  SINGERS 

/"\NE  labored  long  with  patient  thought, 
^^     Then  sang  his  song ; 
The  muse  to  him  came  not  unsought, 
He  wooed  her  long. 

The  other  from  his  subtle  mind 

Flashed  forth  a  strain ; 
Songs  came  as  free  as  summer  wind 

From  heart  and  brain. 

Both  sang  what  human  hearts  desired, 

Words  true  and  strong ; 
His  method  hid,  each  seemed  inspired 

To  sing  his  song. 


60 


DEDICATORY  POEM  ' 

1C\\THER,  whose  mercy  gleams  through  all, 
Thy  name  we  bless,  Thy  name  we  call  ! 
Ours  not  to  boast  of  victory. 
Ours  but  the  humble  ministry ; 

Ours  but  the  youth-time  work  begun, 
The  glow  of  morn,  not  setting  sun. 
O  Father !  in  this  glorious  hour 
Reveal  to  us  our  strength  and  power ! 

'Tis  not  by  skill  which  art  can  show 
Where  softened  tinted  windows  throw 
Strange  light  into  the  chancel  dim, 
Picturing  saint  and  cherubim ; 

Nor  boasting  pride  in  human  things, 

Nor  kingdoms  patronized  by  kings  ! 

Ah  !  nearer  to  Thy  heart  are  laid 

The  suppliant  prayers  the  poor  have  made ; 

Lord,  God  !  we  come  with  willing  feet, 
And  bend  before  Thy  mercy  seat, 
And  wonder  not ;  'tis  holy  ground 
Where  Light  Eternal  beams  around. 

What  soul  could  step  to  yonder  wood, 
And  resting  in  its  solitude, 
And  hearing  bird-song  fill  the  air, 
Could  doubt  a  holy  presence  there  ? 

1  Read  at  dedication  of  North  Deering  Church. 
61 


Or  who  could  upward  look  in  night 
To  where  the  million  worlds  gleam  bright, 
And  think  the  all-wise  loving  Mind 
Could  be  in  any  space  confined  ? 

None,  gracious  Lord  !     Thy  generous  hand 
Doth  scatter  what  Thy  wisdom  planned ; 
Whilst  all  that  charms  the  lonely  thought 
Comes  to  us  with  Thy  blessing  fraught. 

Yet  somehow,  souls  the  stronger  feel 
When  each  dependent  child  doth  kneel 
To  claim  his  blessings  from  above, 
Receiving  light  in  trusting  love. 

And  Love  has  bid  this  building  rise, 
May  it  grow  holy  in  our  eyes ! 
May  that  grand  influence  light  the  shrine, 
Which  bears  the  impress  of  Divine  ! 

That  Love  which  charity  bestows ; 
That  Love  which  sorrows  for  all  woes 
And  weeps  with  mourners  o'er  the  dead, 
May  Love  Divine  its  radiance  shed  ! 

Lord,  God  !  in  whom  we  live  and  move, 
And  daily  Thy  rich  blessings  prove, 
This  house  we  dedicate  to  Thee  ! 
May  souls  here  find  tranquillity  ! 

And  this  is  yours  who  seek  the  good, 
Firm  children  of  God's  Fatherhood  ! 
The  goodliest  gift  the  heart  can  make, 
Baptized  in  God's  great  blessing,  —  take. 


62 


TO  HERMANN  KOTZSCHMAR1 

lY/TUSICAL  Portland!  musical  indeed; 
•!•»•••     Thanks  be  to  thee,  whose  genius  sowed 

the  seed. 

To-night,  through  vistas  garlanded  with  gold, 
Emblazoned  clear,  we  see  thy  name  enrolled. 
Young  faces  look  in  thine,  and  young  hearts 

teach, 

Who  owe  their  power  to  thy  inspiring  speech. 
Grand  privilege  thine,  confronting  all  the  years 
To  live  once  more  the  hours  thy  heart  endears. 
Again  the  morn  of  toil  and  joy  and  fret  — 
Again  youth's  skies  are  bright  with  promise  set — 
And  later,  manhood,  with  its  fair  renown, 
That  won  for  thee  the  splendid  laurel  crown. 
Comrades  !  a  bumper  to  our  President  — 
And  may  his  years  be  filled  with  sweet  content ; 
We  pay  him  tribute  —  tribute  but  his  due  — 
Honor  him,  comrades,  he  has  honored  you. 


1  Read  at  annual  meeting  of  the  Kotzschmar  Club, 
May  14,  1903. 


63 


ST.  VALENTINE'S  DAY 

T  TEIOH-O,  my  lads  and  lasses  ! 
•*-  -*•      Heigh-o,  my  lovers  gay  ; 
Come  !  see,  the  sly  imp  passes  — 
Dan  Cupid  reigns  to-day. 

Soon  will  the  birds  be  mating  — 
Lovers  will  fleck  the  sky; 
Look  lad,  a  lass  is  waiting  — 
Ah,  lass,  a  lad  is  shy. 

Cupid,  all  hearts  adore  thee  — 
God  speed  thy  work  divine ; 
Light  be  the  task  before  thee, 
Send  all  a  valentine. 


64 


COQUETTE 

T3  RIGHT  eyes  'neath  long  lashes  dance, 
•*~*     While  a  lover  looks  askance. 

He  may  plead  and  plead  the  while, 
Yet  she  listens  with  a  smile. 

Ah,  you  teaze  !  he  lives  for  this, 
Just  to  taste  your  ardent  kiss. 

Pretty,  winsome,  sweet  coquette, 
Will  you  stay  your  lover  yet? 

Yes  !  I  claim  from  him  my  due  ! 
Would  he  win  me  ?     He  must  woo. 


65 


MY  LIBRARY 

T  TKRE,  in  this  room,  live  men  of  lofty  aim; 
•*•  •*•     And  they,  why,  they  are  friends !    are 

friends  of  mine ! 

Tried  friends  who  cling  to  me  through  length 
ening  years, 

Alike  indifferent  to  praise  or  blame.    • 
Loved  friends !  true  friends  !  I  ponder  line  on 

line 
As  you,  confessing  all, — grave,  gay,  smiles, 

tears, — 

Laid  bare  a  human  heart,  —  then  signed  your 
name. 


66 


MADONNA 

HEAVEN-DOWERED    genius   gave   it 
birth ! 

Story  all  may  understand  ! 
Pictured  glory  !     Heaven  and  earth  ! 
Prattle  of  babyland. 

Sweet,  calm  trust  on  mother's  face, — 

Love  is  speaking,  gentle,  mild ; 
Hope  transcending  heavenly  grace, — 
A  mother  and  her  child. 

Deep  calls  deep  !     Ah,  loved  eyes  meet ! 

Light  and  life  are  in  accord ; 

Tempered  by  a  vision  sweet, — 

Her  baby  and  her  Lord. 

Cuddle,  then,  to  Mary's  breast ! 

Press  Him,  Mary,  to  thy  heart ! 
Love's  deep,  longing  wish  expressed, — 
The  wonderment  of  art. 


67 


ALPHA  AND  OMEGA 

OD  breathed ;  and  from  the  Eternal  pres- 

ence  veiled, 
Sprang  man!    all  crowning  mystery;  —  proud 

one; 

And  then  inhaled  what  He  had  once  exhaled, 
The  soul  returns  !  its  brief,  swift  journey  run. 


68 


POETRY 

A    DREAMER  dreamed  and  a  soul, 
•*•  •*•     A  poet  soul  awoke, 
While  that  same  hour  from  heaven  stole 

The  love-lit  word  he  wrote. 
Strong,  strong  appeal !  what  inborn  sense 

Is  quickened  in  this  hour  ! 
Not  head,  but  heart's  intelligence 

Is  yielding  to  its  power. 


69 


SUNSET 

of  crimson  and  of  gold 
Curtained  'gainst  the  sky  of  blue ; 
Gorgeous  scene  mine  eyes  behold, 
Fading  fast  to  sombre  hue. 

Good-bye,  day,  about  to  creep 

Through  the  shadows  of  the  west ; 

Night  will  lull  a  world  to  sleep, 
God  grant  all  a  peaceful  rest 


70 


IMPULSE 

/^THERS  may  quibble  and  plod  along 
^-^     But  I  with  my  impulse  run ; 
Impulse  is  life,  sudden  thought  is  strong 

And  would  see  new  work  begun ; 
Brave  child  of  truth  it  would  give  the  lie 

To  seeming  truth  before  it : 
With  the  heart  in  tune  suspicions  die, 

A  doubting  mind  !  —  Ignore  it. 


71 


WITH  A  WEDDING  GIFT 

*  I  VHINK  not  alone  of  self  and  only  self, 

•*•        For  happiness  hath  wings ; 
Society  of  two,  and  solitude  of  two, 
Are  vastly  different  things. 


72 


WEDDING  ANNIVERSARY 
1857  — NOVEMBER  19  —  1907 

IFE'S  afternoon  !    Life's  sunset  grand  ! 
•*-'    God's  glory  for  His  children,  —  men; 
Children  and  children's  children  stand 
Jewelled  in  love's  diadem. 


73 


DORIS 

NOVEMBER  10,  1906 

\\ /HEN  baby  comes  with  winsome  grace, 

A  regal  splendour  fills  the  place. 
Our  selfish  thoughts  take  sudden  wings 
For  lo,  a  queen  rules  over  things, — 
When  baby  comes. 


74 


BABY 

ever  home  know  full  content 
And  radiance  all  around  disclose 
Till  came  that  joy  by  angels  sent  ? 
True  love  is  found  where  baby  goes. 

The  heart  that  leaps  when  baby  cries 
And  folds  the  child  in  tenderness  ; 

Hath  found  the  deep  where  true  love  lies 
Close  linked  with  babe  is  happiness. 


75 


LIFE 

A    SOB !  a  cry  ! 

•*•  ^~     It  is  a  babe,  —  a  little  life  is  born. 

A  moan  !  a  sigh  ! 

An  aged  man  by  want  and  pain  is  torn. 

Filled  was  the  interval  between 

With  groping  for  the  hand  unseen. 

And  ever  rang  those  words,  "  Press  on, 

Nor  rest  until  thy  journey's  done." 

What  then  means  life? 

What  then  means  death  ? 

Turmoil  and  strife? 

A  fleeting  breath  ? 

Search  thine  own  heart 

And  thou  wilt  find  a  purpose  planted  there ; 

Act  well  thy  part 

And  life  will  rise  above  a  world  of  care. 


76 


EASTER 

A  GAIN  the  fair  spring  in  its  birth 
•*•  *•     Is  witness  to  God's  holiness. 

Another  miracle,  —  no  less ; 
The  dead  fields  live  o'er  all  the  earth. 

With  new  life  seen  in  plant  and  tree, 
Dear  Lord,  we  feel  Thy  presence  near, 
Through  nature's  heart  the  words  ring  clear ; 

"  O  grave  where  is  thy  victory  !  " 


77 


A  FOREWORD1 

IFE  leaps  from  death  !  ah,  who  can  under- 
•"     stand ; 
The  organ  peals,  —  we  sense  the  guiding  hand  ; 

The  organ  peals,  —  herein  the  triumph  lies, — 
Fine  souls  he  urged  to  finer  enterprise  ! 

Fond  memory  lingers  with  that  soul  of  thine, 
Lingers  o'er  days  and  hours  of  Auld  Lang  Syne ; 

Calls  back  the  time  when,  with  consummate 

skill, 
Thy  genius  flashed  and  worked  the  Master's 

will. 

We  see  thee  now  in  larger  fulness  grown ; 
We  take  thy  life  and  make  it  all  our  own. 

Thou  art  not  gone ;  we  call,  we  hesitate, 
And  calling,  note  thy  presence  at  the  gate. 

We  walk  with  reverent  steps  and  holy  fear, 
We  feel  the  power  of  thy  strange  guidance  here. 

Still  linger  with  us  for  thy  presence  thrills  ! 
Thy  soul  has  sensed  the  sunset  from  the  hills. 


•Written  for  the  Kotzschmar  memorial  book. 


78 


LINCOLN 

1809—1909 

J3RAISE   ye   the  Lord !     A  nation's   glory 
•••         think  on ! 

All  homage  pay  !     Salute  the  valiant  Lincoln  ! 
Hail  to  the  Martyr's  crown  !  Hail  liberty  ! 
Hail  North  !     Hail  South !     A  people  strong 

and  free. 
O  ye,  mergered  in  the  world's  mad  rush  for 

power, 

Who  stoops  to  gain  the  triumph  of  an  hour  — 
Call  evil  good,  be  blind  to  wickedness  — 
Still  God  demandeth  righteousness. 
Ah  !  brave,  brave  heart,  obey  thine  own  behest, 
Pity  a  race  in  sorrow's  raiment  drest. 
The  still  small  voice  calls  thee  —  calls   thee 

alone  — 
Meet  thou  thy  task  with  valor  all  thine  own. 


Learn  then  from  heart  crushed  by  a  world  he 

warned  — 
By  ingrates  stung,  by  small  minds  cursed  and 

scorned  — 

Learn  this,  O  preacher,  sage  or  artisan  ; 
He  serves  God  best  who  serves  his  fellow  man. 


79 


MCKINLEY 
SEPTEMBER  19,  1901 

T  TlS  was  a  life  with  love  and  all  the  gifts 
•••  •*•     That  God  can  give,  —  all  that  the  soul 
uplifts. 

A  valiant  servant  true  as  heaven  is  wide, 
A  man  of  God  subdued  and  sanctified. 

"  May  God  forgive  him  ! "  hear  the  gentle  plea  ! 
O  wondrous  heart  grown  rich  in  sympathy  ! 

"  Good-bye  !     It  is  God's  way !    His  will  be 

done ! " 
O  what  a  goal  to  reach  life's  race  well  run ! 

Brave  soldier,  statesman,  Christian,  aye,  a  man 
Blending  all  good,  —  a  true  American. 

"Good-bye!     God's    will   be   done!"     The 

smile  of  joy ; 
God  builds  anew,  He  never  does  destroy. 


80 


GEORGE  W.  MARSTON 

P\EAD  !     No  !  he  lives  !     His  melodies  are 
*~*     ringing,— 

His  soul-inspiring  songs  the  world  is  singing. 
Though  his  loved  form  has  vanished  from  the 

earth, 

His  spirit  hovers  o'er  us  —  round  the  hearth, 
His  pure  soul  made  faith  seem  a  little  clearer ; 

He  drew  men  to  their  God,  a  little  nearer. 
His  was  a  triumph  o'er  the  spectre  grim. 
Weep  for  the  friends  bereft,  weep  not  for 
him. 


81 


MEMORIAL  DAY 

TILING  banners  to  the  breeze  to-day, 
•*-       Let  each  bright  star 
Shine  o'er  the  Blue,  shine  o'er  the  Gray, 
Peace  reigns,  not  war. 

Peace  reigns,  war  troubles  us  no  more, 

And  freedom's  power 
Will  guard  on  ocean  and  on  shore, 

Ah,  tyrant's  cower ! 

Let  war-worn  glories  fade  away  ! 

Uncovered  stand  ! 
It  is  the  hour  for  men  to  pray, 

Triumphant,  grand. 

O,  comrades  !  o'er  the  sacred  fields, 

With  tender  hands, 
Strew  what  the  wealth  of  springtime  yields ; 

Love  understands. 

Amid  the  pomp  of  flags  and  drums 

They  sleep  !     They  sleep  ! 
Yet,  to  all  hearts  the  message  comes, 

A  vigil  keep. 

They  sleep  'mid  flowering  seeds  of  love, 

A  patriot's  worth, 
That  blossoms  in  a  world  above, 

The  higher  birth. 

Brave  heroes,  then,  march  on,  march  on  ! 

The  ages  share 
The  glories  of  the  victory  won, 

The  answered  prayer. 

82 


GOOD  NIGHT 

OOD   night,   sweetheart !    good    night ! 

good  night ! 
May  rose-hued  dreams  be  thine; 
And  on  the  morrow,  radiant,  bright, 
Awake  refreshed  with  morning  light, — 
Good  night,  sweetheart !  good  night ! 


83 


SACRIFICE 

~^HE  bud  foretells  the  withering  flower, - 
•*•        The  crib, —  the  bier, — 
A  smile, —  a  tear, — 
Are  changes,  changes  of  an  hour. 

The  fragrance  that  a  rose  hath  blown, — 

Give  rose  !  give  !  give  ! 

Die  rose  and  live  ! 
What  life  lives  for  itself  alone  ? 


84 


FROM  THE  DEPTHS 

T  FOLLOWED  where  an  unseen  spirit  led 
•*•     To   memory's  fane,  that  charnel  of  the 

dead. 

While  I  companion  made  of  wild-eyed  fear, 
Forms  ghostly  mocked,  mocked  me  with  cruel 

leer. 

What  frightful  havoc  greets  my  straining  eyes ! 
In  anguish  now  my  once  proud  spirit  cries. 
Ah,  what  availeth  now  your  friends  are  gone  ? 
Can  you  bring  back  a  life  by  murder  done  ? 
Regretful  now  ?  ah,  yes,  I  understand  ; 
See  Faith,  Hope,  Trust,  mute  there,  slain  by 

your  hand. 

Ah,  cruel  dream,  you  held  me  firm  and  fast ! 
But  now,  thank  God,  the  long,  long  night  is 

past. 

You,  unseen  spirit,  led  me  back  again ; 
Though  faint  in  heart  I  journeyed  not  in  vain. 


85 


WHICH  ONE  IS  DEAD? 

ONE  the  light  from  the  eyes  that  shed 

Glory  rivalling  the  heaven's  blue. 
Gone  the  light  from  a  soul  that  led 
The  lone  one  left, —  ah,  one  of  two, — 
Which  one  is  dead  ? 

Silent,  alone,  uncomforted, — 
Pity,  O  God  !  we  say  he  lives ; 

Lives,  we  say  !  oh  the  fearful  dread ; 
Think,  the  homage  an  Angel  gives  ! 
Which  one  is  dead  ? 


86 


THE  STILL  SMALL  VOICE 

SOUL    be    still,    and    hear   the    voice 

revealed ! 
The  song-bird  breathes  it  through  the  notes  he 

sings 

To  cheer  his  silent  dame,  whose  brooding  wings 
Doth  give  her  offspring  all  that  love  can  yield, 
Come,  hearken  to  those  flowers  that  grace  the 

field, 

And  catch  the  glorious  message  each  one  brings ; 
The  voice  is  speaking  from  yon  star  that  clings 
To  its  given  space  within  the  heavenly  shield. 
Whenever  hearts  in  sympathy  are  stirred, 
And  men  enrich  their  longing  souls  in  prayer, 
The  voice,   so  still,  will   give    an    answering 

word  — 

The  message  is  responsive  everywhere; 
Be  still  then  soul,  and  let  the  voice  be  heard, 
It  bears  the  truth  from  realms  divinely  fair. 


87 


THE  PASSING  DAY 

"1  \  7 AS  ever  day  more  precious  than  this  day  ? 
Day  born  of  God,  created  for  man's 

use? 

Why  spurn  its  promise  by  thy  vain  excuse  ? 
Block  not  ambition's  path  with  thy  delay, 
When  trumpet  calls  be  foremost  in  the  fray. 
Be  of  decision  prompt,  when  called  to  choose, 
Better  defeat  than  active  life  refuse. 
Remember  deeds  more  than  thy  words  convey 
The  inspiration  that  alone  is  thine. 
O  Soul,  be  strong  this  day,  strong  in  content ; 
Say  to  thyself :  "  All  life  is  linked  with  mine  ; 
All  life  is  God's,  and  for  a  purpose  lent, 
And  I  must  work  this  day,  work  is  divine." 
And  Love  will  tell  thee  what  thy  labor  meant. 


88 


THE  CONFLICT 

/  I  VHOU  demon  Hate,  hell-born,  how  earnest 

-*•        thou  here  — 

Here  in  a  human  soul,  Love's  rightful  place  ? 
Thy  cruel,  uncouth,  devilish  grimace 
Hath  fearful  look  in  his  own  atmosphere ; 
Still  Love  dethroned  and  driven,  hovereth  near. 
Can  mother  pressing  babe  to  breast  efface 
What  lieth  hid  behind  her  soft  embrace  ? 
Not  thine  to  hide  behind  a  single  tear, 
O  Love,  who  yet  will  blatant  Hate  destroy ! 
But,  oh  !  why  was  his  shadow  ever  cast 
Across   thy   path  ?     Thou  who  wouldst  fain 

employ 

Thy  patient  toil  until  the  very  last 
To  clear  the  heart  of  all  its  base  alloy ! 
O  Soul,  slay  not  the  dearest  friend  thou  hast ! 


89 


A  TOUCH  OF  NATURE 

T^ROM  a  cleft  in  the  rock  a  bit  of  earth 
•*•       From  its  own  scant  life  gave  a  wee  flower 

birth ; 
And  the  flower  drank  sunshine  and  bathed  in 

dew, 

And  lifted  its  face  toward  the  dome  of  blue; 
And  of  all  the  flowers,  none  more  fond  and  true 
Than  the  lone  one,  sympathy  drew  me  to. 
'Twas  only  a  flower  and  a  bit  of  earth, 
But,  they  yearned  for  God  from  the  common 

dearth. 

Then,  wondering  I  turned,  from  the  better  part, 
To  a  tenderer  blossom, —  a  human  heart. 
More  frail,  it  contrasted  the  flower's  grand  trust; 
For,  look !  how  'tis  eaten  by  idle  rust. 
Consumed  by  the  heat  of  its  own  foul  lust; 
See  !  'tis  drooping  amid  its  own  dry  dust. 
I  woke  from  my  muse  with  a  sudden  start, — 
I  was  reading  my  own  unconquered  heart. 


90 


TO  WORK 

AWAKE  !  awake  !  and  greet  the  new-born 
day; 

With  night  now  past  lay  all  thy  cares  away. 
Yonder  the  rising  sun  in  splendor  gleams, 
'Tis  time  to  act,  away  with  idle  dreams ! 
See  opportunity's  wide-open  gate  — 
Pass  through  ere  Time  shall  say  to  thee,  "  Too 

late!" 

Courage  is  born  of  faith  and  lives  in  deeds ; 
He  who  is  filled  with   "Dare"  and   "Do" 

succeeds. 

Yes,  though  a  thousand  doubts  encompass  thee, 
The  onward  path  leads  straight  to  victory. 
Press  on  through  toil  and  sweat  of  blazing  noon  ; 
Time's  flight  will  bring  the  cool  of  evening 

soon ; 
Trudge  on  and  on  while  yet  the  day  shines 

bright ; 
Swift  pass  the  hours  that  bring  returning  night. 


91 


SOLILOQUY 

SOUL  of  mine,  thou  loftier  part  of  self, 

From  out  thy  tabernacle,  deep  from  sight, 
What  fancies  and  what  pleasures  yet  undreamed 
Spring  forth  to  bless  and  dignify  my  life  ? 
The  energies  that  touch  my  sluggish  brain ; 
That  tune  my  heart  above  its  outward  sense, — 
Struggling  and  dreaming,  ever  up  and  on, 
O  Soul,  what  means  our  vague  existence  here  ? 
How  cam'st  thou  to  this  crude  house  formed 

of  clay  ? 

For  parents  never  yielded  thee  to  me. 
All  that  I  am  thou  art,  yet  strangely  real 
Another  force  controls,  —  a  mighty  force  — 
Despotic  Will  has  power  to  crush  or  raise ; 
To  bid  thee  walk  with  God,  or  quench  thy 

light,— 

To  live  amid  the  glories  of  the  world, 
Or  sink  to  nothingness,  —  a  fallen  star. 
What  then  avails  exertion  ?     What  the  toil 
Of  high  ambition  struggling  for  the  van  ? 
The  winner  pays  the  forfeit  with  his  life ; 
Time  places  her  strong  chain  upon  his  heel 
And  trips  him  when  he  panteth  near  his  goal, 
Or  maybe  checks  him  ere  the  race  begins. 
What  motive  then  has  power  to  lead  thee  on  ? 
What  bids  all  grumbling  cease,  turns  sighs  to 

song, 

And  maketh  for  thy  feet  a  path  of  peace  ? 
What  prompts  the  zeal  of  study,  bringing  home 
To  thy  stern  court,  O  sovereign  Memory, 
The  pictured  life  and  light  of  other  days, — 


92 


Filling  the  brain  with  rules  to  spur  it  on  ? 
O  Memory  !  thy  power  so  strange  doth  make 
My  yesterdays  more  real  than  to-day ;  — 
With  thee,  a  backward  glance, —  I  plainly  see 
The  winding  path  through  which  I  Ve  wonder 
ing  passed. 

What  of  that  greatest  power  of  all,  that  fire 
Which  shoots  forth  tongues  of  flame, —  imagina 
tion; 

That  power  contented  not  with  things  that  are, 
But  every  instant  starting  new  creations. 
What  am  I  and  who  am  I  ?  questions  these 
Mankind  has  asked  through  all  the  ages  past. 


THE  LIBRARY 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
LOS  ANGELES 


A     000924456     7 


